W. Bahr el Ghazal governor advocates for transfer of national capital

WAU, 17 July 2014 – Western Bahr el Ghazal state governor Rizik Zackaraia Hassan has publicly called for South Sudan’s capital Juba in Central Equatoria to be transferred to Western Bahr el Ghazal’s Wau.

The governor of South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state, Rizik Zackaria Hassan, speaks at a public rally in the capital, Wau, on 16 July 2014 (ST)

He said the the transfer of the nation’s capital would be a step towards decentralisation and increase development in other states, saying current infrastructure improvement in Juba were due to the presence of the national government.

“We the people of Western Bahr el Ghazal state need the capital to be allocated to Wau so that Wau can get tarmac roads and power electricity which Juba has been enjoying,” he said.

Hassan made the comments on Wednesday during a visit by president Salva Kiir on Wednesday, who addressed tens of thousands of people in Wau’s main square.

Hassan said he was not confident the introduction of a federal system of government would lead to further development and a more equitable distribution of resources, as has been claimed by its proponents.

“I think some of [the] states will collapse if South Sudan earlier adopts [a] federal system before ensuring equal improvement of its states’ capitals,” Hassan said.

“This is because some of these states did not have natural or enough revenue resources which can enable them to develop their own capacities. They will collapse if the national government stops raising its support to these states financially,” he added.

He claimed Western Bahr el Ghazal and other states in the country would become victims under a federal system due to the high number of unemployed graduates.

The comments were welcomed by those attending the mass rally in Wau.

Hassan was the first state governor to reject a proposed federal governing system, followed by his counterpart in Warrap state, Paul Dhel Gum, who said those calling for the system in the country are calling for the disintegration of the country.

Calls by South Sudan’s rebel faction under the leadership of former vice-president Riek Machar for the introduction of a federal system have found public support.

However, Kiir has rejected the demands, saying peace and stability must first be restored before any decision on South Sudan’s political future.

Pro-Machar rebels have been engaged in an armed struggle with government forces loyal to Kiir since a political split in the ruling SPLM erupted in violence in mid-December last year.

(ST)

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18 July 2014 09:34, by Lorolokin

Rizik Zackaraia Hassan,

I think you are so green to advocate for the capital transfer, talk in logical manner but not saying juba is enjoying Electricity,Tarmac and bla bla bla otherwise we here in Equatoria will celebrate for atleast one month because we are tire of killing, maiming, land grabbing,storming into people houses at gun point.
WE ARE TIRED OF ALL SORT OF INHUMAN, Action today!!!!!!!

this stooge governor has just revealed Kiir’s plan to run to Wau as his new capital in case Juba comes under rebels attack. They discussed it during Kiir’s visit to Wau, otherwise, he should not talk of resources as an obstacle to federalism. There always formulas to help poor states in a federal system. so his poor argument is a non starter.

What a wonderful new? the transfer of Capital City to Wau has advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages
1. Once the capital is moved away from Juba to Wau, Equatoria Region mostly likely will be at risk from rebellion
2. All government institutions, UN Agencies, NGO, Embassies, Business will be reallocate to Wau at the expensive cost to incurr, all workers has to find their way to Wau,

Advantages
1. Expansion of development into greater Bhar El Ghazal Region
2. Economic growth and development for Western Bhar El Ghazal State, the City Council under the city mayor will collect taxes for multiple business in the town for the state revenue authorities

We must be clear-eyed about what state building means. New states bring with them many things, and foremost is often unrealistic expectations. A state is not an exogenous entity dropped in from above to solve the problems down below. A polarized society gives rise to a polarized state. Institutions can be co-opted and power abused, especially in the early years as militias are subsumed into the pu

This stupid governor is double head, recently him Rizik talked of suporting federalism now he is changing to something different, why cannot he stand with one side, we all know for him he is someone who want to be used by Kirr for killing his innocent people, even if the capital city is relocated to Wau or to Yambio ro Torit still we Eqautorians as said we need federalism we are tired of Kirr

But please i advice you to follow your brothers Mr. Bakosoro, Wani, and etc who as decleared support for federalism otherwise kirr is going soon and if you still think he is going to be the leader of this country is ziro becoz, him Kirrr as lost direction. and we do not want him again if he is born again.

The plan to relocate the national capital is Kiir’s plan, but he used the gov’ernor to advocate for its transfer because of the looming war that is coming and then once the demand gains support, he then would act. This is a conspiracy to decstroy Juba when that war starts. Mark my words. The transfer has aleady started with de opening of the best medical facilities for the 1st time in the country.

Gangster or how do you call yourself, I think you have problem of day dreaming. Rizik never support federalism since. it is only the equatoria region supports the federalism. Yes, every south Sudanese likes federalism but not in the voice of Riek Machar who killed thousand of people through his greediness to power. These thousands of people killed since 15 December 2013 did not died for federalism

WHat a relief if the national capoital is transferred to Wau; we have been waiting to see it happen but invein! We in Equatoria await to celebrate when the transfer takes place; all the terror unleashed on the Equatorians in Juba by the cattle keeper militia will go to the Balanda and Jur Chols and others. THANK YOU RIZIK for blessing Kiir with that option!!!

This idea of transferring the capital form Juba to Wau is not solely come from the governor himself; rather it’s an internal campaign by Kirr and his circle for the fear of Equatorians, rebels, and M7. Let them not blindfolds the public. We already knows their plans before they executed. By the way, whether they move it to Wau or remain in Juba, the regime is dying.

This so-cslled Rizig Zackaraia is completely lost. Is it because of governorship, money or what? To hear this from a fertit is unbelievable!! He might be a fallata from Hai-Fallata who does not care about Fertit. I am afraid you can even share your bed or wife with your employer. Ask the people of Wau about 1987-9 and how they were treated. Rizig you are a lost person. You will regret later.

Because your not a South Sudanese just Darfurian and your mother is magi for the president and i know if you ask him for the transfer he will other wise your mother will refuse to protect him and that will be his end on these world

Your called for South Sudan’s capital city to be transfer to Western Bahr el Ghazal capital’s Wau is a true signal to the pro-Kokora and hatred. Stick on your point. A leader must have a choice and tough decision, got it pro.

Decision should come from the people and not leaders Sir. What you are talking about is dictatorship that will have to pay for wrong decisions that cost innocent lives like in Baggari last year. Rizik is an idiot. He represents none other than his stomach and family. His ideas are not from the following BG societies; Yulu, Tchad, Forge, Golo, Balanda Bazia, Balanda Baggari, Ndogo or Kreish etc

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